"No need to say, Jin Lisi surely went to the ancient castle," a team member said.

"That Jin Lisi acted on his own again. He relies on his seniority and always disregards us," another team member said with dissatisfaction.

"In the individual rankings of the two academies, he's second only to Li Wenfeng. I admit his skills are impressive, but his character leaves much to be desired," another team member added.

Rankings? Lin Tian was taken aback, as if he had heard it somewhere before, and then he remembered, the last time at the abandoned church, those Guardians mentioned points.

He sat down and asked curiously, "What is this ranking you're talking about?"

Zhu Li also came over, sat down, and answered, "Whether it's the Female College or the Knight Academy, they periodically issue tasks. These tasks might involve hunting vampires, investigating mysterious events, or protecting special individuals. Individuals or small teams completing these tasks receive points as rewards."

"Based on the accumulation of points, a ranking is formed. The more points you have, the more tasks you've successfully completed. It's a true reflection of strength, so the rankings are actually a ranking of strength, highly respected by the students. Getting into the top ten is an honor."

"Many people on the rankings are currently on tasks, which is why some skilled people couldn't participate in the selection contest. Jin Lisi is one of them," Zhu Li explained to Lin Tian in detail.

"I see, so this point system must have other uses besides ranking, right?" Lin Tian asked curiously.

"Of course. For instance, some profound martial arts in the academy are not accessible to everyone, but you can exchange points for the opportunity to learn them. As long as you have enough points, you can apply to the academy to learn the martial arts you desire. Once the academy approves, a tutor of those martial arts will personally teach you."

"However, the opportunity is given to you, but if you have no aptitude and can't learn, the tutor won't waste time on you. So, your points would be wasted. Therefore, everyone is cautious when using points to learn martial arts, usually selecting what's suitable for them rather than something overly profound," Zhu Li explained again.

"This point-based teaching method is quite good. It not only motivates students but also encourages them to practice more. This way, the students taught won't be mere theorists good only at exams," Lin Tian admired.

At this point, Granny Mary brought out some snacks and, seeing the group still discussing, thought Lin Tian's group was worried about Jin Lisi, so she reminded them, "You don't need to worry; today's Lavender Festival is held at the castle. Your friend is probably there having fun, so nothing will happen."

Granny Mary didn't know Jin Lisi's identity, so she said that, and Lin Tian's group couldn't really explain, so they just gave some vague responses.

After everyone finished breakfast, they all walked to the street, following the crowd, heading toward the Lavender Festival venue. They walked through the street and arrived at a wide grassy area outside the town. The grassland was so vast it could be called a prairie. In the depths of the prairie, the edge of a forest could be seen.

This grassy area had obviously been developed, with neat patches of fields cultivated on it, filled with lavender.

The flowering season for lavender is from June to August, which is currently the peak blooming period. At a glance, the blue-purple lavender fields looked like a beautiful carpet or a blue-purple ocean.

A gentle breeze stirred, creating layers of blue-purple waves, and the air was filled with the unique fragrance of lavender. Known as the king of fragrances, lavender is widely used in aromatherapy, beauty, culinary, and medicinal fields.

And in this venue, the uses of lavender were fully showcased, with exquisite tables and chairs set among the lavender fields. On these tables and chairs, sachets, dried flowers, essential oils, floral teas, and pastries were displayed, all primarily made from lavender.

Of course, these items weren't just for display; visitors could buy what they liked for a small amount of money.

"Look, what is that?" Zhu Li suddenly shouted, pointing at a building in the distance.

Lin Tian saw it even clearer than the others. It was an ancient castle built on a small hill, covered with lavender as well.

And, whether due to the plant variety or the soil's geographical nature, the lavender on the hill bloomed differently. It lacked a hint of blue, with a more profound, vibrant purple, so beautiful it amazed them.

"Youngsters, are you planning to enter the ancient castle? Not just anyone can enter," a middle-aged woman nearby said kindly when she saw Lin Tian's group looking longingly.

Lin Tian looked at the woman with a smiling face and asked curiously, "Isn't the castle the main venue for the Lavender Festival? Why can't we enter?"

"Youngster, you didn't hear me clearly. It's not that you can't enter, but there are conditions; only couples can enter," the woman said with a smile, as if she had once enjoyed such a privilege in her youth.

"Couples? What do you mean?" a team member asked, puzzled.

"Oh, you young people, asking me what I mean, don't you know what a couple is? It's people in love. The castle's owner will hold a grand wedding for ten newlywed couples on that hill. The town's couples can attend the wedding to bless the newlyweds. Do you understand now?" The woman looked exasperated.

Explaining what a couple is to this group of young ones was indeed quite challenging for the woman.

"Thank you for clarifying," Xiao Manxue thanked her politely.

After the woman walked away, Xiao Manxue said, "Let's proceed according to the original plan. I'll go with Lin Tian. You stay near the castle, and if you notice anything unusual, report it immediately on the communicator."

With the tasks arranged, Lin Tian and Xiao Manxue headed toward the ancient castle. As they got closer, they realized how grand and towering the castle was. It had stood for many years but remained sturdy.

The castle's original purpose was not enjoyment but defense, so it had walls, arrow towers, and trench-like moats. However, this moat, after years of change, had become a clear stream.

The stream encircled the castle, and at the front, a bridge linked the inside and outside. But now, someone stood guard at the bridge, and couples were queuing to enter.

When it was Lin Tian and Xiao Manxue's turn to cross the bridge, they were stopped by a man looking like a middle-aged butler. The butler bowed slightly and said politely, "I'm sorry, but since you're not from the town, you must prove you're a genuine couple to enter."

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